mmmmud

Remember when we had mud to race in? That was so awesome. But snow is pretty good too. All aboard the Nordic-Cross train. Leaving the station in T minus 45 hours or so.



OTT: Townes van Zandt, Standin'

Tuesday Night Ride Report

Nordic-Cross training
24 Hours course previewed
Less immoderate

Nice to see Matt out again. And Jonny B too. Tuesdays just haven't been the same. Lovely conditions for a winter night ride. The general blueprint for the 24 Hours of Sedition course is coming more clearly into view. You can expect a course of approximately 11-12 kms. Aside from the bit between the HQ and the river, it's entirely off-road. It took us 45 minutes to ride the course at an entirely moderate pace. Last year, by contrast, the course was around 20 kms. Times were between 70 and 90 minutes. And longer still if you got lost in the forest. Not having the forest is a bit of a bummer. But it sounds like it's being considered as a venue for some other Nordic-Cross races.

OTT: Andre Ethier, Never Grow Tired of Me

The Editor Has Spoken

Or at least offered up something that approximates speech. Sort of. To be discussed this evening, post-ride.


Also, a few Grudge Cross photos, courtesy of the calculator (via the kid).







And finally, another in the long list of reasons you should travel down south with Bert for the MN State cx championships next year. You might bump into the angry clown. Notice the hat.




OTT: The Smiths, There is a Light that Never Goes Out

Tuesday Night Ride

Maybe some initial recon for 24 Hours of Sedition. Maybe Matt will come out for a ride in the snow. Maybe not.

OTT: Iron & Wine, Weary Memory

Slick-tastic

Not sure if the total number of net grudges is up or down after Grudge Cross yesterday. But either way it was a good time. The course was sweet. Even sweeter with slicks. With Paddy and Ian hucking snowballs, tackling, etc., every round was an adventure. Dave D takes home the cup. And now that that's been taken care of, it's time turn the page on this season. It's done. Nordic-Cross is nigh. First up: Ass. Cross:


OTT: Teddy Bears, Rendezvous

Andy, You're a Star

On the field, I remember you were incredible . . . Or so the song goes.

Albert wins it, ahead of Nys and Boom. Thus ends Nys's string of consecutive wins in the Superprestige races at 12. He sucks. More from CN.

Highlights here:



Making up for a bit of an off day yesterday, the professor storms back into contention. He picks up points from 7 of his 9 riders for a total of 405. A new high.

The top 20:

Albert - 150
Nys - 125
Boom - 100
Wellens - 90
Van Gils - 80
Vantornout - 75
Stybar - 70
Albert - 65
Simunik - 60
Groenendaal - 55
Vervecken - 50
S. Vanthournout - 45
Page - 40
Pauwels - 35
Van Nuffel - 30
Soetens - 25
Willemsens - 20
Verstraeten - 15
Commeyne - 10
Wagenaar - 5


Today's Results:

Andy - 405
Matt - 325
Arlene - 290
Vic - 275
Hal - 270
Chris - 230
Rachel - 225
Naomi - 200
Tomek - 190
Jonny B - 135
Laura - 40
Dallas - 40
Paddy - 0
David - 0


Overall Standings:

Chris - 2510
Andy - 2500
Vic - 2210
Matt - 2170
Naomi - 1785
Rachel - 1735
Arlene - 1640
Jonny - 1560
Hal - 1385
Tomek - 970
Dallas - 745
Paddy - 660
David - 395
Laura - 340

Go Bombers!

OTT: Andrew Bird, Scythian Empires

a friendly reminder

I've got more grudges than I can shake a proverbial stick at. Hoping for a few less tomorrow. But chances are there'll be even more. Now, I'm off to change my tires.
OTT: The Polyphonic Spree, Running Away

Koksijde

Looks like a nasty course. Lots of sand, much of it uphill. No problem for Nys, though. He wins again, despite crashing twice. More from CN and VN.

On the FGBC side of things, it wasn't the best of days for the professor. Without Albert, who hasn't been racing the World Cups, and with Stybar failing to crack the top 10 for only the second time this season, Andy conceded a bit of ground today. Not only to the dr, but also to the tenor, who has been gaining steadily in the last little while.

We're about a third of the way through the season, and the top 4 are starting to establish a healthy gap on the rest of the field. But there's still plenty of racing to be done and things can change. Especially if injuries come into the mix.

They're back at it again tomorrow for Superprestige #4 in Geiten, Holland.

Top 20:

Nys - 150
Vervecken - 125
Boom - 100
Vantornout - 90
Wellens - 80
Groenendaal - 75
S. Vanthourenhout - 70
Aernouts - 65
Van Gils - 60
De Knegt - 55
D. Vanthourenhout - 50
Al - 45
Heule - 40
Peeters - 35
Stybar - 30
Fontana - 25
Walsleben - 20
Verstraeten - 15
Zahner - 10
Urban - 5


Today's results:

Chris - 290
Vic - 235
Matt - 225
Naomi - 215
Andy - 195
Paddy - 120
Hal - 100
Jonny - 80
Rachel - 65
Laura - 45
Arlene - 30
Tomek - 0
Dallas - 0
David - 0


Overall standings:

Chris - 2280
Andy - 2095
Vic - 1935
Matt - 1845
Naomi - 1585
Rachel - 1510
Jonny - 1425
Arlene - 1350
Hal - 1115
Tomek - 780
Dallas - 705
Paddy - 660
David - 395
Laura - 300

OTT: The Greyboy Allstars, V Neck Sweater

mn state cx: the video

No evidence of Alberto et al, but it gives you a sense of the ambiance he was trying to describe. Here.

OTT: Magnolia Electric Co., Leave the City

Dept. of Misinformation

Thanks to the professor and his keen eye for catching this one. The 2007 FGBC cx Pool includes all the World Cups as well as the races included in the Superprestige and GVA series. But somehow, in drawing up the calendar, I overlooked the GVA race that took place this past Saturday. And what a shame that would have been. Previously, the high for points in a race was 300. But that is no longer the case. Andy's boys netted him 345 points. And Vic bested that with 360. It would have been a shame to miss out on that. Thanks again, Andy.

So here are Saturday's results, and the updated standings. Sorry for the confusion.

Top 20:

Nys - 150
Wellens - 125
Albert - 100
Stybar - 90
Boom - 80
Pauwels - 75
D Vanthournout - 70
Vantornout - 65
Al - 60
Dlask - 55
Vervecken - 50
S Vanthourenhout - 45
Peeters - 40
Van Gils - 35
Groenendaal - 30
De Knegt - 25
Berden - 20
Aernouts - 15
Van Den Bosch - 10
Verstraeten - 5


Saturday's results:

Vic - 360
Andy - 345
Matt - 285
Chris - 260
Rachel - 230
Naomi - 225
Jonny - 200
Hal - 180
Arlene - 160
Tomek - 100
Dallas - 55
Paddy - 40
David - 0
Laura - 0


Overall Standings:

Chris - 1990
Andy - 1900
Vic - 1700
Matt - 1620
Rachel - 1445
Naomi - 1370
Jonny - 1345
Arlene - 1320
Hal - 1015
Tomek - 780
Dallas - 705
Paddy - 540
David - 395
Laura - 255

OTT: The Stone Roses, Begging You

Get yer grudge on

Busy morning on the FGBC blog.

Take note: it's slick city. Changing tires really isn't that difficult. Don't give the poosher another grudge to utilize.

Should be done just in time to watch the Bombers lay some whup-ass on the Riders.

OTT: The Human League, Mirror Man

Tuesday Night Ride Report

Last week at the F&H some were openly wondering whether winter might have forgotten about us this year. Last night, however, made it clear that there's no need to worry. We have not been overlooked. With yesterday's ride, the Nordic-Cross season can officially be declared on. FGBC Nordic-Cross training camp. At least for Hal, Jonnys K-H & G and myself. Nice ride along the monkey trails, including a few new ones (for us).

Snowy singletrack
Nordic-Cross season begins
First frozen toes too

FGD dispenser was broke last night. New server too. Stange tunes by the end of the evening. Near apocalyptic sensations at the clubhouse.






Special visit from the delegation of shady characters:




OTT: The Cinematics, Maybe Someday

WOOL JERSEY UPDATE

Our jerseys have moved on to embroidery. As we speak, Swiss eunichs are pulling their beards and wondering sagely, "what means Nordic Cross?"

RE: Grudge-cross, help a newbie brother out; is this the 1st Nordic Cross, or the last of the official races?

Superprestige #3

A little late on this. My apologies.

Unfortunately, for Andy, the pattern didn't hold.

Two more this weekend. World Cup #4 on Saturday in Koksijde, Belgium. Then on Sunday it's Superprestige #4 in Gieten, Netherlands.


Top 20

Nys - 150
Mourey - 125
Wellens - 100
Vantournout - 90
Pauwels - 80
Vervecken - 75
Albert - 70
Stybar - 65
Groenendaal - 60
Franzoi - 55
Aernouts - 50
Al - 45
De Knegt - 40
Peeters - 35
Simunik - 30
Verstraeten - 25
Berden - 20
Soetens - 15
Van Gils - 10
Page - 5


Sunday's Results:

Chris - 295
Vic - 255
Matt - 230
Tomek - 200
Rachel - 195
Arlene - 195
Jonny - 180
Naomi - 180
Andy - 165
Hal - 125
David - 125
Paddy - 90
Dallas - 60
Laura - 5


Overall Standings:

Chris - 1730
Andy - 1555
Vic - 1340
Matt - 1335
Rachel - 1215
Arlene - 1160
Naomi - 1145
Jonny - 1145
Hal - 835
Tomek - 680
Dallas - 650
Paddy - 500
David - 395
Laura - 255

OTT: Ivy, Streets of Your Town

Tuesday Night Ride

San Diego = good times. But I'm back in black and ready to ride. Tonight. My place. 9:30 pm. Be there.

Go Bombers!

Tractor Cross done...

A small, but energetic group of racers gathered in Linden, WA for Tractor Cross - the last of the cross races organized by Cyclocrazed. The state cross championships were held the same weekend, so clearly that impacted participation in this event. I couldn't escape being lapped by the eventual winner of the race, but I didn't come in last - yes. It was a wet and muddy course, and had this race been in MB - my bike would have seized up from the gumbo - but everything kept turning for me which was great. Except for one run-up out of a gulley - the course was relatively flat, but made interesting by a course route with lots of twists and turns. The pics are from the mud pit, the ride through the skate park and the run-up...results here http://www.cyclocrazed.com/points.html#tractor

minnesota cx 2007

fgbc really, really, really needs to put this on their calendar. go here for my write up and pictures.

Last race of the season

And last chance to get yourself a grude for grude-cross the following weekend. I'm out of town this weekend, so can't be there. Hope there's a good turnout.

old school and motors

tandem sprints
ouch
okay it's a motorcycle, but cool anyways (the rider @1:20ish is a cut above)

Nordic Cross is Coming

No, that's not from this morning. But get ready.

It sure didn't feel like we should be thinking about Nordic-Cross last night, as we rode around in relative warmth. But this morning it looks like things may have turned a corner, weather-wise. We might just get the conditions necessary for our cherished race series yet.

Last gasp of summer?
Her limp, lifeless body rests
As winter blows in

In any case, we are ready and waiting, having hammered out a tentative race calendar last night during a pit stop at the alternate HQ. Seven races. One every three weeks, beginning in December and running through March. You will recognize many of the old favourites--Curry is for Hurry is back and better than ever, as are Haiku Cross and the winter 24 Hour race, going by the moniker of 24 Hours of Sedition this time around. But this year will feature some new races as well--Canuck Cross (a duathlon of sorts), Jonny Cross and Colin Cross are all on the calendar. Also new for this season is Yerba Cross, which kicks off the whole series on Dec. 2. It will be hosted by the president and the secretary.

More Saturday races this time around. Those late hockey games have been sucking anyway. And this way, Jonny S will have all the more reason to come up from the south. He's building up a sweet bike for the series.

Stache-cross was vigorously debated. Numerous possibilities were considered. There were a few possible variations on a theme that got tossed around, such as Burns-cross. Ultimately, however, the fate of the most talked about race of last year remains up in the air. As it should.

Expect a memo from the editor to clarify further details shortly. Also expect to see a design for a new skinsuit in the next little while. The excitement never ends at the FGBC.

OTT: Stars of Track and Field, With You

Ride, Sally, Ride

The ride will head east toward the alternate HQ and also incorporate some initial planning for the upcoming Nordic Cross season. So if you'd like to host a race or otherwise have some input into the best race series around, you'd best be there.

OTT: Magnolia Electric Co, The Night Shift Lullaby

Tractor Cross

My last opportunity to race cross this season...it should be a good time. I will definitely be missing the nordic series - the haiku, the curry, and the rare joy of spinning around a bat and crushing cans - sigh. Check out the course at this link. http://www.cyclocrazed.com/index.html#tractor

You can follow all the cross news from the Pacific Northwest at http://www.bicyclenorthwest.com/, just click on the banner '07 Cross Season'.

Tree Triumphs in the Mud

Lars Boom likes the mud, evidently. And it's equally apparent that Sven Nys does not flourish in the messier races. Similarly muddy conditions to yesterday's race in Niel, and it's Boom and Wellens duking it out once again. But this time Boom holds on for the win. And Nys finishes well back--at least by his standards--coming home in 5th place behind Vantournout and Dlask. Full results, report and photos at CN and sport.be.

Highlights:




The top 20:

Boom - 150
Wellens - 125
Vantournout - 100
Dlask - 90
Nys - 80
Vervecken - 75
Stybar - 70
De Knegt - 65
Franzoi - 60
Groenendaal - 55
Van Gils - 50
S. Vanthourenhout - 45
Simunik - 40
Pauwels - 35
Aernouts - 30
Page - 25
Mourey - 20
Al - 15
Derepas - 10
Heule - 5

With 2 of the 3 podium spots on the day (Boom and Vantournout), Chris takes the win and snatches the lead back from Andy. This follows a pattern that has been holding since the very first race. With Albert racing the Superprestige and GVA races but not the World Cups, Andy's been gaining in those and losing ground in the World Cups. Chris has been missing Mourey for the more local races but has been benefitting from his points in the World Cups. Should this pattern hold, it looks good for Andy as there are more Superprestige/GVA races than World Cups remaining on the schedule. We'll see.

Also of note is Matt's 2nd consecutive podium appearance, on the strength of which he leaps over Vic into 3rd overall. Rachel is nipping at Vic's heels as well. And David S finally nabs a few points! A solid 30 to stay ahead of Laura and out of the cellar.

Today's results:

Chris - 295
Matt - 250
Andy - 245
Hal - 210
Rachel - 190
Dallas - 175
Jonny B - 160
Arlene - 155
Naomi - 105
Paddy - 95
Vic - 80
Tomek - 45
Laura - 30
David - 30

Overall standings:

Chris - 1435
Andy - 1390
Matt - 1105
Vic - 1085
Rachel - 1020
Naomi - 965
Arlene - 965
Jonny B - 965
Hal - 710
Dallas - 590
Tomek - 480
Paddy - 410
David S - 270
Laura - 250

Next up: Superprestige #3 in Asper-Gavere, Belgium on Nov. 18.

OTT: Frightened Rabbit, Behave!

Jaarmarktcross

The 2nd round of the GVA Trofee series went down today in Niel, Belgium. Wellens won it, ahead of a strong Lars Boom and Nys. Lots of mud and running in this one. Boom had the lead on and looked like he was riding to the win on the last lap, but then he flatted. Bummer. Still, he held on for 2nd place. The winner had this to say (via butchered, but all the more interesting, internet translation):

It was a complete heavy game today. Tree [that's how it translates Boom] was really a complete strong competitor. We both has gone wrong and was both dead to the finish. I was just in the last turning certainly of the triumph, because with Lars weet you never. I am now LEADER in the GVA trophy and will that position of course defend. Simply in each manche my extrême best do, decided Wellens.

Full results, report, and photos here (in Dutch) and over at CN. Last lap here:



Top 20:

Wellens - 150
Boom - 125
Nys - 100
Groenendaal - 90
Vervecken - 80
Dlask - 75
Albert - 70
De Knegt - 65
Aernouts - 60
Van Gils - 55
S. Vanthourenhout - 50
Stybar - 45
Al - 40
Van Der Linden - 35
Verstraeten - 30
Peeters - 25
Van Nuffel - 20
Pauwels - 15
Walsleben - 10
Berden - 5

This all makes for some excitement in the FGBC cx Pool. Andy moves into first place with a slim 5 point lead. And Paddy climbs out of the cellar, ahead of Laura and David, to whom these last three races have been most unkind. In three races, their teams have combined for a mere 10 points. Ouch.

Today's results:

Andy - 270
Matt - 220
Vic - 195
Hal - 195
Chris - 180
Rachel - 175
Jonny B - 165
Naomi - 130
Paddy - 125
Arlene - 115
Dallas - 75
Tomek - 70
Laura - 0
David - 0

Overall Standings:

Andy - 1145
Chris - 1140
Vic - 1005
Naomi - 860
Matt - 855
Rachel - 830
Arlene - 810
Jonny B - 805
Hal - 500
Tomek - 435
Dallas - 415
Paddy - 315
David S - 240
Laura - 220

They're back at it tomorrow in Pijnacker, Holland for World Cup #3.

OTT: Attics and Cellars, Sheep and Wolves

MB SS Championships

Haiku Dave got there first. But repetition is good. So long as it's sufficiently different. Which I'm not sure this is. But that's another story. Maybe if I supply a haiku:

Singlespeed racing
Around downtown Winnipeg
Be there, Saturday


Not sure if I can make it. But it's definitely something to consider.

OTT: Pieta Brown, Song for a Friend

Six degrees of the honorary captain

A good friend of mine raced the Shendandoah Mountain 100 back in September. He finished in 45th place (out of 450) at 9:13:19, just under 2 hours behind the honorary captain, who finished 3rd. He did not get to meet the captain himself, but his son had the chance to receive some tips on bike handling and unicycling from him. And his family had a good time chatting it up with Ma and Pa Landis, whom they kept meeting at all the checkpoints.




Sounds like the race is a lot of fun. I'll likely be in the area next year, and may well race it. Anyone else interested?

OTT: The Tranzmitors, Bigger Houses, Broken Homes

Tuesday Night Ride Report

Accompanied by Alberto, Jonnys K-H & G, Haiku Dave, Colin, and myself, Jonny N showed us what he'd been missing, at least ride-wise, since heading out west last May. Along the river trails, through the Forks and the Exchange, with its parkades and tunnels, before retiring, nearly frozen, to the clubhouse to fraternize with the hockey and non-riding crowd over fries & gravy and FGD.

Jonny's back in town
And winter, ugly head reared
Hey, that's our table!

Haiku Dave is looking into the possibility of a bicycle film festival. Sounds like something we might rally around. Might be an opportunity for the Duker to premiere his most recent work, the account of the Altona winter race he's been slaving away at. I'm sure it's coming along nicely. Never rush an artist. The Nordic cross is just around the corner too. A scheduling and race planning meeting will be held soon.






OTT: Cat Power, I Found a Reason

Supercross: The Video

Courtesy of Tom K.

more mb cx pictures

go here. alberto's account of cx provincials here soon

Tuesday Night Ride: Special Jonny N Edition

I spoke to the guest of honour this afternoon. He's planning the route and looking forward to it.

OTT: Paul Westerberg, The Best Thing that Never Happened

More supercross photos

Courtesy of Kevin B: here. This shot of the poosher splashing through the mud is my favourite.



Results are up too.

OTT: Midnight Oil, King of the Mountain

Superprestige: Hamme-Zogge

Not to be lost in all the excitement surrounding Supercross is the fact that the pros over in Belgium were doing their own super race. Nys wins again, followed by Stybar and Wellens. It's starting to look like Stybar is a definite force. He's just a youngin--21, I think. I doubt he'll be a $9 bargain next year. Full results, report, and photos over at CN.

The top 20:

Nys - 150
Stybar - 125
Wellens - 100
Groenendaal - 90
Van Gils - 80
Pauwels - 75
Dlask - 70
Peeters - 65
Al - 60
Vervecken - 55
Heule - 50
Simunik - 45
Verstraeten - 40
Commeyne - 35
Berden - 30
Soetens - 25
D. Vanthourenhout - 20
Vantornout - 15
Page - 10
Van Den Bosch - 5

Vic takes the win for a second consecutive race, and Andy closes the gap between 1st and 2nd to less than 100 points. It's starting to look like the pack has split in two distinct halves. There's a lead group of 8 being pursued by 6 chasers who are a fair way back at this point. But I suppose it's still rather early in the season.

Yesterday's Results:

Vic - 235
Andy - 230
Naomi - 220
Jonny B - 210
Rachel - 200
Chris - 175
Arlene - 170
Matt - 80
Dallas - 80
Tomek - 10
Laura - 10
Hal - 0
Paddy - 0
David - 0

Overall Standings:

Chris 960
Andy 875
Vic 810
Naomi 730
Arlene 695
Rachel 655
Jonny B 640
Matt 635
Tomek 365
Dallas 340
Hal 305
David S 240
Laura 220
Paddy 190

Next up is the Jaarmarkt Cross race (GVA #2) on Saturday in Niel, Belgium, followed by the 3rd World Cup race of the season on Sunday in Pijnacker, Netherlands. Doublecross.

OTT: Devendra Banhart, Fall

Supercross: the haiku

For Ian:

mud, sweat, and Duvel
pea gravel, unclipped, crashing
euphoria hurts

Lunch time. Out.

OTT: Crooked Fingers, Coldways

Supercross report

Supercross was, well, super. Better than advertised really. All kinds of new bits added to the classic course to make it better than ever. Kind of like Coke Classic and that "new formula" from the '80s all wrapped up in one tasty can of soda. The mud bog from hell was all that and more. And the combination of mud and pea gravel made for a few moments of unclipped anxiety. Lots of mechanicals, and I don't think I was the only one to crash either.

Luc rocked the B race. It was not even close. And he hit the mud more agressively than anyone I saw. Which resulted in a few nice endos for the spectators.

The A race featured more passes than the Palomino club on a Friday night. All kinds of passing and being passed as people got dropped by crashes or mechanicals only to re-pass as the passers suffered problems of their own. Or something like that. But I don't think anyone passed Daniel, who took the win.

Then into the Belgian Club to finish it off in style, with awards, chit-chat, and traditional Belgian dancing. And I walked away with a new bike. Sweet. This one's going to the missus.

Photos, with some help from Dave B and Kevin B:

course prep

Luc preparing to launch one of his impressive endos

natural barriers only

exiting the bog did not always materialize as planned upon entry

Alberto bites

there was a skinsuit sighting on the course

the bikes got a bit dirty

first we ride, then we dance

my leg's a bit raw on account of a crash on lap 2

OTT: Black Lab, Good

Forecast Calls for Pain

Not cx, I know. But the point is the same. It's going to hurt. Bring it on. Super.



OTT: Califone, The Eye You Lost in the Crusades

In the world of creative bike racks...

I quite like this design at my local library... Have a great race day tomorrow. I look forward to a full report on Tuesday.

this looks like fun

has the good dr. written all over it.

Ubercross

Lo, I give you Supercross!

When Zarathustra arrived at the nearest town which adjoineth the forest, he found many people assembled in the market-place; for it had been announced that a rope-dancer would give a performance. And Zarathustra spake thus unto the people:

I TEACH YOU THE SUPERMAN. Man is something that is to be surpassed. What have ye done to surpass man?

All beings hitherto have created something beyond themselves: and ye want to be the ebb of that great tide, and would rather go back to the beast than surpass man?

What is the ape to man? A laughing-stock, a thing of shame. And just the same shall man be to the Superman: a laughing-stock, a thing of shame.

Ye have made your way from the worm to man, and much within you is still worm. Once were ye apes, and even yet man is more of an ape than any of the apes.

Even the wisest among you is only a disharmony and hybrid of plant and phantom. But do I bid you become phantoms or plants?

Lo, I teach you the Superman!

The Superman is the meaning of the earth. Let your will say: The Superman SHALL BE the meaning of the earth!

I conjure you, my brethren, REMAIN TRUE TO THE EARTH, and believe not those who speak unto you of superearthly hopes! Poisoners are they, whether they know it or not.

Despisers of life are they, decaying ones and poisoned ones themselves, of whom the earth is weary: so away with them!

Once blasphemy against God was the greatest blasphemy; but God died, and therewith also those blasphemers. To blaspheme the earth is now the dreadfulest sin, and to rate the heart of the unknowable higher than the meaning of the earth!

Once the soul looked contemptuously on the body, and then that contempt was the supreme thing:--the soul wished the body meagre, ghastly, and famished. Thus it thought to escape from the body and the earth.

Oh, that soul was itself meagre, ghastly, and famished; and cruelty was the delight of that soul!

But ye, also, my brethren, tell me: What doth your body say about your soul? Is your soul not poverty and pollution and wretched self-complacency?

Verily, a polluted stream is man. One must be a sea, to receive a polluted stream without becoming impure.

Lo, I teach you the Superman: he is that sea; in him can your great contempt be submerged.

What is the greatest thing ye can experience? It is the hour of great contempt. The hour in which even your happiness becometh loathsome unto you, and so also your reason and virtue.

The hour when ye say: "What good is my happiness! It is poverty and pollution and wretched self-complacency. But my happiness should justify existence itself!"

The hour when ye say: "What good is my reason! Doth it long for knowledge as the lion for his food? It is poverty and pollution and wretched self-complacency!"

The hour when ye say: "What good is my virtue! As yet it hath not made me passionate. How weary I am of my good and my bad! It is all poverty and pollution and wretched self-complacency!"

The hour when ye say: "What good is my justice! I do not see that I am fervour and fuel. The just, however, are fervour and fuel!"

The hour when ye say: "What good is my pity! Is not pity the cross on which he is nailed who loveth man? But my pity is not a crucifixion."

Have ye ever spoken thus? Have ye ever cried thus? Ah! would that I had heard you crying thus!

It is not your sin--it is your self-satisfaction that crieth unto heaven; your very sparingness in sin crieth unto heaven!

Where is the lightning to lick you with its tongue? Where is the frenzy with which ye should be inoculated?

Lo, I teach you the Superman: he is that lightning, he is that frenzy!--

When Zarathustra had thus spoken, one of the people called out: "We have now heard enough of the rope-dancer; it is time now for us to see him!" And all the people laughed at Zarathustra. But the rope-dancer, who thought the words applied to him, began his performance. (Friedrich "Honorary 'Stache-crosser" Nietzsche, Thus Spake Zarathustra, section 3)

Sunday. Be there. 'Nuff said.

OTT: Pela, Lost to the Lonesome

Mustaches of the Nineteenth Century

Just in case this year's nordic cross series features a repeat of the most hard-fought battle of last year's series. It never hurts to do a little a little advance research. Never underestimate the significance of style.

Here's one of my favourites--for so many reasons. Bonus points if you can guess who it is.



Here's another one of the same guy. A little later (I'm assuming) and a little less carefully coifed. Kind of fitting, really, given how things played out in the end.


OTT: PJ Harvey, Rub Til It Bleeds

Koppenbergcross

Wonderboy and Nastyman battling it out on the last lap, attacking each other back and forth the whole way, before Wonderboy takes it in the end. Full results, report, and photos over at CN. Look at the spectators in that photo. They're 10 rows deep, lining both sides of the course.

Top 20:

Nys - 150
Wellens - 125
Stybar - 100
Groenendall - 90
Vervecken - 80
Albert - 75
Dlask - 70
Vantournout - 65
Aernouts - 60
Peeters - 55
W. Van Gils - 50
Soetens - 45
Boom - 40
Pauwels - 35
S. Vanthourenhout - 30
Al - 25
D. Vanthourenhout - 20
Verstraeten - 15
De Knegt - 10
Cichosz - 5

It all adds up to a sweet victory for Victor. Not only does he take the win with Nys (that's almost a given), but also gets solid placings from Albert and Peeters, with D. Vanthourenhout craking the top 20 as well. The top two places remain unchanged, but Vic rockets up from the middle of the pack into 3rd place. Nicely done. On the other hand, we see a couple of zeroes for the first time so far. Not a good day for the (almost) all French team and the team of old men.

Today's Results:

Vic - 300
Andy - 250
Chris - 240
Matt - 235
Rachel - 225
Naomi - 185
Arlene - 175
Jonny B - 160
Hal - 120
Tomek - 80
Paddy - 75
Dallas - 70
David - 0
Laura - 0


Overall Standings:

Chris - 785
Andy - 645
Vic - 575
Matt - 555
Arlene - 525
Naomi - 510
Rachel - 455
Jonny B - 430
Tomek - 355
Hal - 305
Dallas - 260
David S - 240
Laura - 210
Paddy - 190

Next up: Superprestige #2 in Hamme-Zogge, Belgium on Sunday.

OTT: Lovers in Transit, She Wore Black